Hobby Master 1/72 HA1997 McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom 155890, VMFA-212, USMC, circa 1970s

The F-4D was an improved "C" variant with most improvements being internal electronics and avionics. The F-4D entered operational service in April 1966 and joined the combat forces in Southeast Asia in May 1967. With the arrival of the "D" most of the "C" variant were reassigned to ground attack with the "D"s taking on the air-to-air interceptor role. In 1968 - 1969 a total of 825 "D" models were produced 793 for the USAF and 32 for the Iranian Air Force.

McDonnell Douglas F-4J Bu.No 155890 served with VF-143 "Pukin' Dogs" as NK-114 in 1969 into 1970 before transferring to VF-21 "Freelancers" as NE-106 later that year. In 1977 155890 went to VMFA-212 "Lancers" as WD-10. In early 1965 and again in 1972 VMFA-212 deployed to Vietnam returning to Hawaii both times. From 1974 until 1987 operated from Japan before retiring their F-4s for the new F/A-18C "Hornet". In 1985 155890 moved to VMFA-251 "Thunderbolts" DW-05 but in 1987 it was retired and displayed at the Estrella Warbirds in California as VMFA-333 "Shamrocks".